Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
Introduction
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas deliver all the sticky, savory, and sweet delight you crave in an Asian-inspired main dish—with none of the fuss or animal products. The dish comes together quickly and features a thick, glossy sauce that coats each chickpea, making it irresistibly satisfying served over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies.
Perfect for meal preppers, busy weeknight dinners, or anyone seeking plant-based protein, this crowd-pleaser packs bold flavor into every bite.
Why Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Stand Out
What sets this recipe apart is the richly caramelized sesame sauce—think garlicky, gingery, and just sweet enough. Chickpeas soak up the flavors while providing a hearty, satisfying texture. The recipe is quick (ready in about 20 minutes) and versatile: it can be prepped ahead and tastes great hot, at room temperature, or cold.
How to Get Chickpeas Perfectly Sticky
The secret to this dish’s sticky finish lies in sautéing the chickpeas until slightly crisp before adding the sauce. For even browning and no sticking, use a high-quality nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. It helps create a golden base on the chickpeas, letting them soak up the sauce beautifully without burning or uneven cooking.
Quick Prep for Veggies and Garnishes
To streamline the vegetable prep—whether you’re mincing garlic, slicing scallions, or dicing bell peppers—a multipurpose veggie chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves time while offering consistent results. You’ll get uniform cuts for an attractive bowl and even cooking.
Serve over a bed of rice or greens using a spacious salad container such as the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, which is perfect for meal prep or packable lunches.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas store well in airtight containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for optimal freshness. Make a double batch for lunches throughout the week, or portion them for grab-and-go dinners.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 generously and provides approximately 270 calories per serving—not including rice or toppings. Chickpeas provide protein and fiber, while the sauce adds flavor without excess oil or sugar.
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas: The Recap
Sticky sesame chickpeas bring big flavor, balanced nutrition, and weeknight convenience to your table. They’re a satisfying main or side, sure to delight vegans and omnivores alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, then stir in chickpeas. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until chickpeas are golden and beginning to crisp.
- Push chickpeas to the side of the pan. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic, then mix with the chickpeas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, tomato paste, and the cornstarch slurry, ensuring smoothness. Pour over the chickpeas in the pan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 2–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and glossily coats the chickpeas. Stir in 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies, garnishing with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions. To save for lunch, portion into the Bentgo Salad Container or another airtight container.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Enjoy this vibrant, sticky-sweet vegan dish as a part of your weeknight routine or share it at your next potluck—delicious, satisfying, and effortlessly plant-based!